Welcome to the North
The International Welcome Center North helps you arrange practical matters like your residence permit, municipality registration, and BSN number—all in one place.
We’re open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 12:00 and
13:00 to 16:30.
Our Services
Our latest blog post
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Groningen
Groningen Walking Club: Stadspark, Groningen
IWCN Info Session: Dutch Customs & Culture
Women’s Circle Leeuwarden
Share your Culture Series: Boba Meetup – Groningen
Share your Culture Series: Taiwanese Mid-Autumn Festival in Groningen
Groningen Walking Club
International Spouses Networking. In collaboration with Make it in the North and the Dual Career Support of Groningen University
Groningen Walking Club
Join our events!
News from the North
University of Groningen concerned about budget cuts: “Knowledge is not an expense, but an investment”
The University of Groningen (RUG) has expressed concern over the announced budget cuts. Despite repeated warnings, it now appears after ‘Prinsjesdag’, the national Budget Day, that, instead of a reduction, an additional 25 to 30 million euros will be cut. The university sees no other option than to absorb the cuts through natural attrition. This […]
Pigeons, exotic animals, and food through the ages: Day of Groningen History is coming up
On 11 October, the Day of Groningen History returns. Organized by the Groninger Archives, the event dives into big and small questions alike: Where does our plant-based food come from? How has gas extraction shaped Groningen’s story? And how has our relationship with animals evolved over the centuries? This year’s theme follows the national History […]
Extra buses to and from Groningen from 22 September
Starting 22 September, extra buses will be running on several routes in Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland. The reason: more people are travelling than expected since the new school year kicked off at the end of August. Zernike CampusGetting to and from the Zernike Campus will be easier. Q-link 15 between the Central Station and the […]
About Us
About Us
Feel at home in the North in just a few steps
We understand there are many things to take care of when getting settled in a new country.
That’s why it’s our mission to provide a welcoming space where you can take care of everything at one convenient location.
25+
3
45,000+
We helped 45,000+ international people
“I have lived in several countries (USA, Germany, Russia, Egypt) but I have to say that I have had the best experience at the Welcome Center in Groningen. Thank you again!”
“How happy it makes me to learn that the flowers got there and that they brightened up everyone’s day! This was my goal.
You guys work hard, and I wanted to make sure you guys know that your work is meaningful and very well appreciated in the city.”
“I would recommend the IWCN for new Internationals, who would like help finding their feet, but also for those who have been in the Northern Netherlands, as the information on offer is very extensive!”
“The idea to have such an office to welcome foreigners is a formidable one and this is a good tangible result. I wish there had been such an office, and people like you, 13 years ago when we arrived. It would probably have made our lives so much better, especially the first years!”
